Side Effects

This week has been a bit of a strange week.

The previous week we had record temperatures here - above 43.8 degrees (it was probably higher but the digital thermometer stopped working at that temp!) and sustained high temperatures - above 38 degrees for the week or so before hand!

We then went into a 22-24 degree week with quite a lot of rain & humidity (ie, <> 80% humidity).

Needless to say that the bleeding or irritation was substantial & the bleeds were excessive - 40 mins to 1hr 20 - and very flowing & difficult to stop rather than the "low pressure" drip type bleeds.

The previous Thursday I saw my city ENT who put me back on the waiting list for surgery.

Unfortunately this week I did not cope to well & put in an urgent call to the specialist & also visited my GP.

The side effects this time concerned me a bit.

Apart from the weakness & light headiness, I had big cramps in my legs and arms and flu like symptoms - it felt like the iron was being pulled from my marrow - giving me aching feelings.

I also had pins & needles in both arms & legs which wouldn't go away for a while. I've had pins & needles in a spot before - usually when you haven't moved the arm or leg for a while, but this was crazy.

Then the severe headaches came back.

Unfortunately I could not stop a lot of blood from being swallowed - it's a catch 22. It has to go somewhere... So I either block it at my nose & divert it down my throat or let it flow out. It does eventually stop but not nice.

That has a side effect on the intestinal system so that the day or so later my "output" is black & sticky & not very nice to be around.....

The last day or so has been better - back to small bleeds only, but I'm very weak.

My doctor put me on some antibiotics, just in case I have an infection in the nasal area. Who knows? It's a possibility having a continual open "wound" could let germs in...

I went through this with the ENT in town & he & his staff spoke with the hospital.

On Monday night it was a close call, maybe being a bit too stubborn again, but I should have gone to hospital - but it's too much of a bother.

I broke my 20 minute rule 3 times over. The bleeding eventually stopped after an 1 hr 20 minutes. But it was more stubborn than me!

The earlier part of the week was a "6 tissue box" event. But over the full week I've gone through about 11 boxes now. A big week.

The good news is that I got a call yesterday to say I've been put up a list - and they can fit me in next Thursday!